 | Glen Mathis has been the co-owner of Mathis Drug Store in Girard since 1983. For more information or to reach Glen, please call 620-724-4313. |
Health & Medicine
2011-09-28 15:51:31
Why and when to get the flu shot
Q: I have been seeing the signs, hearing and/or seeing advertisements on the television or radio but, is the flu shot for real? Is this a necessary vaccine? Also, when should you get vaccinated?
A: Many health care professionals will start or have started providing the flu vaccine to clients during this flu season. How do you know if you should get one? Well if you are reading this, YOU SHOULD. On February 24, 2010 vaccine experts voted, “that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year.” The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted for “universal flu vaccination in the U.S. to expand protection against the flu to more people.” (www.cdc.gov).
There are certain categories of people that are highly recommended to get the vaccines such as pregnant women, people over 50 and young children. The CDC website www.cdc.gov gives full information on those categories.
No one likes to get the flu. So the question should be, why “not” get vaccinated? The vaccine is low cost compared to cost that could arise treating the flu and its symptoms. There are many insurance plans that will pay for the full price of the vaccine. Checking with vaccinating sights such as “local pharmacies” can provide you with your cost information.
So now that we know we “should” get vaccinated. Let’s discuss when. The CDC recommends that people get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as the vaccine becomes available in their community according to www.cdc.gov. While many feel that latter in the year is best, CDC also states on their website, “Before December is best since this timing ensures that protective antibodies are in place before flu activity is typically at its highest.”
So roll up your sleeves or “sleeve” and go get it.
